Kirkwood United Way Campaign

Kirkwood United Way Campaign

Kirkwood Community College and United Way share a commitment to creating opportunities and strengthening our communities. The United Way of East Central Iowa (UECI) and the United Way of Johnson and Washington counties (UWJW) collaborate with community stakeholders in Kirkwood’s seven-county service area to support communities and improve lives.

Through Kirkwood’s annual United Way campaign, employees can help support programs, partnerships, and organizations making a difference across Eastern Iowa — including work with direct connections to Kirkwood.

There are three important ways to get involved: Volunteer. Invest. Advocate.

Every action matters. Find the way that works for you.

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE TODAY

 

United is the Way

United Way of East Central Iowa

At United Way of East Central Iowa, we identify top needs in the community, bring people together, and co-creating solutions. United is the way to a thriving community.

 

How to Participate

MAKE YOUR E-PLEDGE

 

1. Make your E-Pledge

Use E-Pledge to make your pledge and process your donation online.

Kirkwood Current Staff: Your Kirkwood email address is your username, and your K-number is your password.

Kirkwood Retiree Donation Link: www.uweci.org/donate

2. Select your donation amount

E-Pledge may display suggested amounts based on your previous donation history.

To contribute a different amount, select “Other” and enter the amount you would like to give.

Your donation will automatically be directed to the United Way agency serving the county where you live.

3. Select your pledge type

Choose your preferred payment option in E-Pledge:

  • Payroll deduction:
    • Arrange payroll deduction online. Kirkwood Payroll will receive the information needed to deduct your contribution from your paycheck.
  • Check: 
    • For check donations, please contact Linda Arens.
  • Credit card:
  • Bill me: 

This year, we’re introducing Sammy Bucks to make it easier for all employees to participate in our United Way campaign — with a little something extra for your support!

For every $30 donation you make, you’ll receive a $5 Sammy Buck to use at the Kirkwood Bookstore, EagleShop, or shop.kirkwood.edu.

Want to use your Sammy Buck online? Send your Sammy Buck to the Kirkwood Bookstore along with your full name and email address. The Bookstore will email you a one-time promotional code to use at shop.kirkwood.edu.

Plus, you could win Kirkwood Bookstore prizes!

Every donation, regardless of the amount, gives you a chance to win Kirkwood Bookstore prizes. It’s another way to have a little fun while supporting United Way and our community.

The campaign runs from October 12 to October 23.

However you choose to participate, you're joining Kirkwood colleagues and community partners who believe stronger communities are built when we work together.

United Way of East Central Iowa - United is the Way

Volunteer

Give Your Time and Talent

United Way connects people with nonprofit organizations throughout Eastern Iowa that need volunteers. Whether you have a few hours to give, want to volunteer with colleagues, or are looking for an ongoing opportunity, you can make a meaningful difference.

Every year, Kirkwood participates in the United Way Day of Caring. Service and community engagement are core to Kirkwood’s mission, and opportunities like this allow our staff to make a meaningful impact beyond our campus walls.

Ready to get involved?

EXPLORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

United Way of East Central Iowa - United is the Way

Invest

Invest in Our Community

When you give through Kirkwood’s United Way campaign, you join colleagues and community members investing in programs, partnerships, and organizations working to make Eastern Iowa stronger.

Your contribution becomes part of that collective effort — making a difference for our students, our neighbors, and the communities we call home.

Every gift matters. Together, we can make an even greater impact.

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE

United Way of East Central Iowa - United is the Way

Advocate

Use Your Voice

United Way provides opportunities to learn more about issues affecting Eastern Iowa, engage with community leaders, and advocate for solutions that help people and communities thrive.

By staying informed and using your voice, you can help bring attention to community needs and be part of creating meaningful change.

Learn more about how you can get involved.

EXPLORE ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES

 

United Way Supports Kirkwood and Our Community

The partnership between Kirkwood and United Way reaches students, families, older adults, employers, and communities throughout our region.

 

Here are just a few examples of that impact:

The Opportunity Center at Ladd Library is a partnership between the Cedar Rapids Public Library, Kirkwood, United Way of East Central Iowa and Hawkeye Area Community Action Program. This unique partnership connects people’s work and career goals with employment opportunities that offer livable wages. It provides resources for education, job training and placement, financial literacy and more that are supported by local employers.

Kirkwood’s Workplace Learning Connection helps students explore careers and connect classroom learning with the world of work. Through partnerships with schools and employers, students gain valuable career awareness and work-based learning experiences that can help them make informed decisions about their futures.

Housed at Kirkwood, Heritage Area Agency on Aging serves older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers throughout our region. Its services help people remain independent, connected, and supported in the communities they call home.

The Kirkwood Foundation creates opportunities for students and strengthens the college through scholarships and other support. Its work helps more students access education and resources as they pursue their goals.

Kirkwood’s award-winning public radio station, KCCK, serves Eastern Iowa through music, education, culture, and community programming. KCCK also provides educational opportunities that help students develop their skills and gain real-world experience.

Many agencies throughout Kirkwood’s seven-county service area benefit from United Way support. Together, these organizations address important needs and create opportunities for people throughout the communities Kirkwood serves.
When Kirkwood employees support United Way, we become part of a larger network of people and organizations working together to make Eastern Iowa stronger.

Your support stays close to home. And its impact reaches across our community.

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE

2026-27 Campaign Brochure

2026-27 All Focus Areas Campaign

 

Questions?

For questions about Kirkwood's United Way campaign, contact Jessica Cortez at 319-398-5572.

For questions about online pledges or payroll deduction, contact Linda Arens at 319-398-4487.